Kenya: Ruto Says ‘Pro-People’ UDA Ready to Face ‘Power-Thirsty’ Opponents in 2022

“Fairness is the irreducible minimum that UDA aspirants must expect from the party. It will not be done until it is fair,” he explained.

“There will be no preferred candidates in UDA. It is fairness that makes or breaks a political party,” he added.

Even though many leaders and politicians had “contributed immensely” in the building of the Hustler Nation, Dr Ruto insisted that they, too, must be ready to participate in tight UDA nominations. He noted that the party was looking for a win-win situation in the nominations, where those who win get the ticket and losers expected to back them.

Dr Ruto said the proposed degree qualification for leaders should not be used to bar anyone who wants to run for an electoral office.

He argued that he was committed to transforming UDA into a national outfit that brings people together and is able to run a national agenda in government.

“UDA’s plan is different from its competitors. The focus is on uniting Kenyans, expand enterprise, create jobs, generate wealth and tackle poverty from the bottom of the economic pyramid,” he told the meeting.

He explained that while the wealthy were meeting at top notch hotels to protect their interests, ordinary Kenyans must also be offered an opportunity to plan their future.

“It should not be labelled as a class war by those who fear the uplifting of the poor.”

Gachagua asked the wealthy to stop imagining that they own the poor.

“Let them (the rich) go ahead and support Raila Odinga; we will continue to back the Deputy President,” said the Mathira MP.